Flood of tributes for missionary, Ruth Elton, at 80

No distance was too long for admirers of Mama Ruth Elton, a British born misionary, particularly those who have benefited from her generosity and benevolence, to be part of her 80th happy birthday. Guests came from all parts of the federation. They particularly came from towns where Mama Ruth Elton had patiently served in spreading the gospel of the Lord – from Kogi to Ondo, Oyo and Osun states. The celebrator since she was three years old had been in Nigeria when she followed her missionary parents, Pa Sydney and Mama Hannah Elton, in July1937. Since she was introduced to the Christian faith by her parents and following the consequence of the latter rain revival of the early 50s, Mama Ruth’s passion was inspiring to others. She proved herself a worthy enthusiastic assistant to her parents in spreading the gospel in many parts of the country, particularly rural communities, where residents were yet to hear of the Word of the Lord.

The King’s Event Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, the venue of the thanksgiving service and reception, two Saturdays ago, was filled to capacity. Adorned in their best attire, the guests paid glowing tribute to the woman described by the preacher at the thanksgiving ceremony, Rev. Mike Oye, as smallish in stature but giant in faith.

The preacher said: “How to know the love of God is to be prepared to die to save lives. In God’s words, we are made to know ‘That he lays down his life for us live.’ So we too like Mama Ruth must be ready to lay ours too for others to live. Ruth was raised by wonderful parents. They came to suffer, to teach, to help people, first class evangelists. Ruth was raised in an environment of love, she grew under parents who lived by God’s principles.”

Speaking further, Rev. Oye said there was an urgent need to raise children in the fear of God just as Timothy’s parents in the Bible and Ruth’s parents had done. He said Mama Ruth’s parents emphasis was not on material values but promoting Christian standards. Chiding Christians, who laid back and doing nothing about the insurgency of the dreaded Islamic Boko Haram in the North Eastern part of the country, he said soldiers don’t sit, they go to fight, they suffer, and come back to shine after conquering the enemies.

“Boko Haram don’t sit they go to fight, soldiers don’t sit but must go and conquer. I pity those who say Boko Haram can’t come to them in other parts of the country before the rapture. They are coming, so it’s important to go out and win souls and help others. The problem with us is being disobedient to the Word of the Lord. This smallish woman (Mama Ruth) sitting here is a giant of faith, a lioness like David fighting and receiving wounds. One of the reasons why we are not making advances is fear of suffering and love of luxury. Even Jesus suffered. If there is any Christian not suffering for the faith, then something is wrong. Ruth Elton stands out in this regard. The Christians in the South are not talking and doing enough about evil of Boko Haram in the North. We are not helping the Christians affected by this evil. It is not pentecostalism but holiness and impeccable character that will speak to people. If not for her patience and courage, Mama Ruth would have gone back to England thirty years ago. She faced great challenges, some of which even threatened her life. So, as Christians, we are to endure persecution, suffering, difficulty.”

Sam Kputu, the International Director of the Calvary Ministries, said: “There are two ways to spend your life. You either waste or invest it. That life is wasted that is spent just on transient things and ephemeral glories. That life is invested that is spent fulfilling God’s eternal purpose, the redemption of nations. Sister Ruth Elton, like her parents before her, is an example of a life well invested. Many servants of God in Nigeria today, as well as many churches and ministries, including ours, Calvary Ministries, are either direct or indirect fruits of the labours of the Eltons in this land.”

According to Emeka and Bade Nwankpa of the Intercessor For Nigeria: “The story of our lives cannot be told without the testimony of the immeasurable deposit that God made in us using Pa S. G. Elton of blessed memory. We, therefore, appreciate the Elton family more than words can describe.”

Pastor Dejo Akande of the Christ’s Ambassadors Evangelistic Team said: “The contact with Mama Elton encouraged the interest of CAET in missions that culminated in a series of mission trips to the Okene-Keton mission field, beginning from 1988. The trip exposed us to great works Mama was doing over years, especially among the Ebiras, Bassa Komo people and others around the Middle Belt of the country.”

Also, Bishop Joel Ejingwon of the Gospel Assembly Intercontinental, Agasa-Okene, Kogi State asserted: “Mama, you have positively affected the lives of the entire Ebira nation and its environs through your passion for soul wining. Your labour for the kingdom gave birth to the church now known as the Gospel Assembly Intercontinental.”

Pastor J. B. Aladega of the Kingdom Gospel Mission declared: “Sweet mother, congratulations on your 80th birthday. You have been a great blessing to your generation. Your sacrificial life and dedication to the work of the kingdom is a challenge to us. You have been a seasoning salt and light to the world. You have been shining brightly, showing the glory of God wherever you are.”

According to President, Gospel Group, Oritamefa, Ibadan, Oyo State, Brother Yinka Olufayo: “Mama, having been born into mission by our late Papa and Mama S. G. Elton, missions colossus of note, you yourself have become mission incarnate by God’s grace and divine providence.”

The General Overseer, Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International and National Director, Nigeria Prays, Ibadan, Rev. Moses Aransiola, enthused: “The life and ministry of the Elton family was certainly a major influence that shaped the out look of Christianity in Nigeria from the 70s right through the 80s. It laid a strong foundation for and produced many ministries that are today blazing the trail of gospel advance both locally and internationally. Pastor S. G. Elton was a rally point for many of us on the campuses then and only eternity can reveal how much we have benefitted from the grace of God on the Elton family.”

Some of those present at the colourful event included the former deputy governor of Kogi State, Dr. Philip Salawu, Rev. Mathew Owojole from Kaduna State, Pastors Sarah and Olubi Johnson of the Scripture Pasture Christian Centre, Ibadan, Rt. Rev. Joel Ejingwon, who worked with Mama Ruth in Okene, Kogi State, Dr. Femi Soetan, the chairman of Planning Committee for Mama Ruth 80th birthday celebration, Pastor Tokunbo Salami and wife, Funmi and other eminent men and women of God.